Some state agency buildings in southern Illinois are getting some over due repairs in the near future.
The Capital Development Board announced more than $46 million dollars will be invested to improve and repair state owned buildings in the region.
The funds will also help with deferred maintenance projects. Nearly $36 million is going to be spent on prisons in the southern part of the state.
Capital Development Board Administrator of Programing Marcy Joerger (JER-GER) says at the Vienna Correctional Center they’re spending 6 million dollars to replace the 60 year old power substation and cables.
“They have a very antiquated system because it’s old, parts are obsolete, not available. It's difficult to work on, high voltage cable is the underground aluminum that goes throughout the facility, when that fails it causes a power outage to whatever building that section of the cable feeds.”
The John Howard Association advocates for prison reform.
John Howard Association Executive Director Jenny Vollen-Katz says this is a step in the right direction, but there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done.
“Throughout the state of Illinois. You know, we have been neglecting to do regular upkeep inside our prisons for a very long time. And, you know, there are many facilities that show that, you know, in their in their physical condition.”
Other projects include replacing water heaters, roof repairs, sewer system repairs and replacing fire alarm systems.
